Attorney General Mike DeWine sues Avon Lake builder

AVON — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is suing an Avon Lake contractor, alleging that the company performed shoddy work and refused to deliver services.

Mark Walker, of Avon, is accused of failing to complete home improvement services that were offered by his Avon Lake business, All American Restoration, which is now closed. The business advertised to offer major home improvement services, including room additions and roofing projects, received an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau after a series of complaints against the business.

According to the Better Business Bureau, 15 complaints were filed against All American Restoration, 10 of which weren’t resolved.

Police began investigating the company earlier this year after several complaints by Avon, Elyria and Lorain residents, who said they paid for roofing services but never received it. One Elyria resident told the BBB he paid the firm $6,500 in October, after which he made repeated calls to the company’s offices that went unanswered, and when he stopped by the office, it was empty.

DeWine, who filed the lawsuit on the basis of an alleged violation of the state’s consumer protection laws, alleged that All American Restoration accepted deposits on contracts without the proper registration, permits or licenses to perform the work contracted for.

The reported losses, detailed in 28 complaints, totaled $135,000, according to a news release.

Walker could not be reached for comment, and the number listed for All American Restoration was disconnected.

In response to a letter sent to Mark Walker, owner of All American Restoration, by the Cleveland office of the Better Business Bureau, he told the agency he was facing a cash flow crisis caused by not being paid about $40,000 he was owed for a major commercial job and other work.

DeWine also sued Wayne Given of Silver Lake, doing business as Basement Waterproofing Solutions, after three consumer complaints that services were not provided.

In both lawsuits, DeWine is seeking restitution for consumers, injunctions to stop the businesses from further violations, civil penalties and other costs.